Hong Kong, 23 May 2008 - Four
years ago, the Asian tsunami laid bare the region's inability to cope with
large disasters. As a result, governments, non-governmental organizations
and United Nations agencies pledged to improve disaster preparedness and
response. At a time when Asia is dealing with two major disasters, Claudia
Blume in Hong Kong takes a look at whether disaster preparedness has improved.

The earthquake in China's Sichuan province
and the devastating cyclone in Burma are reminders that Asia is the world's
most disaster-prone region.

9 January 2005 (12:00IST)- Finding the right balance between relief for the dire acute emergency and reconstruction continues. While calls for and plans for rehabilitation are picking up, particularly in Sri Lanka, the reality in the field remains that some areas remain difficult to access. Health actors, supported by WHO, are progressing with health assessments and know what is needed technically. The current challenge is building full operational capacities on the ground.